Hey there, Fantasy Points fam! It’s your buddy Darren Manser, a.k.a. @BooBoojojo, back at it and fired up to break down the juicy Week 1 Preseason slate for 2025. Football is back, and whether you're chasing glory or just in it for the chaos, I’ve got your DFS back.
This write-up is the public version — just the tip of the iceberg. For full slate breakdowns, exclusive plays, and the Main Slate livestream, join the Fantasy Points Premium squad. You’ll catch me live in the #nfl-dfs Discord channel, chopping it up with subscribers a couple of hours before kickoff. That’s where the edge lives.
QUARTERBACKS
SHEDEUR SANDERS | Browns vs. Panthers | Panthers -6.5 | O/U: 32
Well, well, well — look who’s stepping into the spotlight. With Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel sidelined and Joe Flacco preserving those 40-year-old knees, it’s Shedeur’s time to shine. The Browns brought in Tyler Huntley as QB insurance, but all signs point to Sanders getting the bulk of the work. It’s a massive opportunity here for a guy with something to prove. I'm rooting for him.
JAXSON DART | Giants vs. Bills | Giants -1.5 | O/U: 37.5
If we’re lucky, we’ll see some Darts flying in Buffalo. The Ole Miss product comes into the NFL with 38 career college starts, over 10,000 passing yards, and a nose for the end zone (72 passing TDs + 12 rushing). The vet QBs (Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston) likely ride the pine, so Dart should get a healthy run. He’s got the tools — and now, he’s got our attention for DFS.
"[Jaxson] Dart has had a really good two weeks out here, you could see the game slow down for him." - Joe Schoen via ESPN Radio. pic.twitter.com/mah0LUQUUd
— Anthony Rivardo (@Anthony_Rivardo) August 6, 2025
TREY LANCE | Chargers vs. Saints | Saints -1.5 | O/U:36.5
Yes, him again. Your 2021 #3 overall pick and 2024 Preseason DFS MVP is back to cook. Lance dropped 120 yards and 2 TDs in the Hall of Fame Game with barely any rushing. If he’s doing that on cruise control, what’s he going to do this week? With consistent volume each week, he’s one of the easiest plug-and-play options we’ve got.
RUNNING BACKS
JACORY CROSKEY-MERRITT | Commanders at Patriots | Patriots -6.5 | O/U: 34.6
This kid has been the talk of camp and is climbing the depth chart like it’s a jungle gym. Team insiders expect him to get immediate run. The 7th-rounder is getting buzz everywhere — and fun fact, he shares a birthday with yours truly. Coincidence? Maybe. Good omen for DFS? Absolutely.
JULIUS CHESTNUT | Titans vs. Bucs | Titans -3 | O/U: 32.5
A preseason favorite returns! Sitting behind Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears, Chestnut should see solid reps as the Titans get a look at their backfield depth. He can catch, he can run, and he’s sneaky enough to break the slate at low ownership. Let’s get nutty.
RJ HARVEY | Broncos vs. 49ers | Broncos -6.5 | O/U: 34.5
Wait, RJ is fifth on the depth chart? That’s got to be a typo — or, more likely, a Sean Payton mind game. Early best ball drafters are puzzled, but we love it for DFS. Harvey’s a strong pass-catching back in a Sean Payton system, and this could be his statement week. Motivation narrative? Check. Volume opportunity? Check.
Broncos’ first “unofficial depth chart” of the season lists JK Dobbins as their starting running back, Jaleel McLaughlin as second string, Audric Estime as third string, Tyler Badie as fourth string and Blake Watson and rookie RJ Harvey as fifth string.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 6, 2025
WIDE RECEIVERS
AD MITCHELL | Colts vs. Ravens | Colts -5.5 | O/U: 36.5
AD has been on fire in camp and even sparked a bench-clearing scuffle after roasting a Ravens DB in scrimmage. His highlight reel this week is must-see TV. Ownership will be high, but sometimes chalk is just chalk for a reason. I’ll be eating it happily.
AD Mitchell destroying the Ravens secondary: pic.twitter.com/13kdcCmWCn https://t.co/wFNdFjvJJI
— DA Dynasty (@DADynasty_) August 6, 2025
MATTHEW GOLDEN | Packers vs. Jets | Packers -2.5 | O/U: 37.5
Golden has been *ahem* golden all summer. Blazing 4.29 speed paired with clean routes? That’s not fair. He’s been torching corners left and right and looks like he belongs. Great matchup, great camp buzz, and the tools to take one to the house. What’s not to love?
KEANDRE LAMBERT SMITH | Chargers vs. Saints | Saints -1.5 | O/U: 36.5
Time to stack KLS with Trey Lance. The Chargers already have firepower, and adding Keenan Allen only raises the bar in that WR room. But don’t sleep on KeAndre. He snagged a late TD last week and continues to flash big-play upside. He’s one of those guys you’ll want in your lineup before everyone else realizes what’s up (if it’s not too late already).
Remember, I’ll be hanging out in the #nfl-dfs Discord chat as @Darren a couple of hours before kickoff, ready to tackle your burning questions and help you finesse those last-minute lineup moves. I’m wishing you all the luck and excitement in the world as we dive into this preseason spectacle.
